PHUNGLING: The number of tourists visiting the world’s third-largest peak, Kanchanjungha, has declined due to the recent drop in temperature.

Tourism entrepreneur Pema Sherpa said that the area has experienced severe cold in recent days, leading to a decrease in tourist arrivals.

However, there has been no snowfall this year. Hotels and lodges remain closed due to the lack of visitors.

Hoteliers in the Kanchanjungha area have relocated to Phungling, and some have even moved to Kathmandu city to escape the cold.

Tashi Tenjing Sherpa, affiliated with the Kanchanjungha Conservation Area Management Council, stated that the region had a substantial influx of tourists before the onset of cold weather.

“From last Asoj to Poush, the area recorded the entry of 760 tourists from different countries, marking the highest number of tourist arrivals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.